Usage of data acquisition device NI PCI-6221 for power engineering applications

This article describes possible usage of low cost data acquisition device National Instruments NI PCI-6221 for different tasks in electrical power engineering. Theoretical and technical limits are discussed in the first part. Next the application for current / voltage measurement and monitoring is inscribed with focus on high voltage side of AC-DC inverters. Following chapter deals with measurements of power quality according to IEC 610000-3-12 and explains limitations of NI PCI-6221 for this task. Finally the usage for DC measurements on photovoltaic systems is explicated on model system operating SCPI controlled switch of measuring posts. Presented ideas are generalized for more sophisticated hardware.